verysadguy

On 10/14/2020 at 2:18 PM, sandranj said:

If your I-485 was not denied then your I-765 is still valid, and of course you need to check the expiration date.

Hi Sandra! I haven't been on here in so long.

Would an EAD authorization code C09 (adjustment of status) ever change to a C14 (deferred action status)?

Hope you are well!

https://save.uscis.gov/web/media/resourcesContents/EAD_Code_Table.pdf

20 minutes ago, Transborderwife said:

Obviously this subject strikes a nerve with you.  I just find your solution mind boggling lay expensive as many feel fees are already too high.  How is it not a fair comparison?  It's the average statistics in the United States.  You said that you found VAWA for all of those women unlikely, well I disagree.

You may disagree. Be we should both agree that DV is horrible, but so is fraud. It is also my opinion that this should not be a pathway to a green card based on questionable evidence and allegations. 

You come as a tourist you then go home.

You come as a student you then go home.

You come for a job that is completed you then go home.

You come for a relationship that fails you then go home.

If you want to stay in the USA, you have to show other redeeming qualities and reasons for staying. Just my opinion. 

15 hours ago, Transborderwife said:

Private investors?  Do you realize the cost in that?

You mean private INVESTIGATORS? Not that expensive and would give a layer of safety and security. Wouldn't you rather have the petitioner be sure as that expense would be far less than divorce, criminal trials, child custody, scammers maxing out credit cards etc.? Almost all of these unfairly ripped off Americans get totally fleeced by VAWA scammers. 

Also, I know about domestic violence. I am a working professional in the healthcare field. My point is putting in multiple easy steps long before DV becomes the issue. 

1. Fair warning to petitioners

2. Increased background checks

3. Fairness in adjudication for the US CItizen (removal of hearsay evidence, stringency on emotional abuse, expert testimony on physical abuse, US Citizen option to plead his/her side of the case)

4. Increased awareness to beneficiaries as well about DV and risk of deportation for fraud!

Also, you have extrapolated the entire gamut of DV statistics across the entire population of the US to the beneficiary pool. That is not a fair comparison. 

And yes, if you commit DV then you should be made bankrupt! (Surely, I jest...)

Numbers still super high compared to past years. The foreign scammer community has figured out the path to a green card!

Here are the 4th quarter numbers for I-360. This is your US Gov't thumbing its nose in the face of its own US Citizens:

                9,615            8,334         1,281                20,582                               39,407                31,329

Seriously? 31,329 approvals this fiscal year? Does anyone really believe among the small population of relationship based visas has almost 100 significant cases of domestic violence every single day of the calendar year? What a joke.

With an 87% approval rate? C'mon Vermont. You suck!

And still with 20,582 pending files? That likely means 17,900 additional green cards to be given out. This is an outrage to US Citizens who are left out in the cold with no recourse to fight back. And many falsely accused US Citizens are arrested and given a permanent record with little chance to prove themselves innocent. Even if you aren't arrested and your fraudulent foreign scammer gets a green card, you still have a federal level decision made against you!

Wow the Vermont Unit has gone even more nuts.

Here is the 3rd quarter fiscal year I-360 stats

Received Approved Denied Pending

89% approvals now and they are on track to receive over 40,000 annual I-360 applications. Who cannot figure out the rest of the world knows how to get to the USA via easy street, aka, VAWA?

https://www.uscis.gov/tools/reports-studies/immigration-forms-data/data-set-all-uscis-application-and-petition-form-types

Here is the real shocker for those who wish to deal in statistics and how exploited and abused the system is...

When first started VAWA had low numbers and over the years gradually grew. Two possible reasons, yes maybe more abused beneficiaries were brave enough to come forward, but also because foreigners began learning of the loophole and how to exploit it. Even some prominent VAWA attorneys will tell you in some countries they hold seminars on how to get a green card through VAWA! TRUE!

However, the numbers are exploding as people want to take advantage of American citizens and FREE AMERICAN TAX DOLLAR BENEFITS.

6000, then 8000, then 12,000 annual VAWA claims? Really? Not 4 abused immigrants every single day but FORTY every single day? I don't buy there are that many cases of extreme abuse on a daily basis. No freaking way. It is massive fraudulent claims of abuse. I know I was one of them. Go read my thread.

Look at this years current stats that are nothing short of alarming and a threat to national security and the real abuse is of our tax payer dollars:

2016 VAWA statistics, From the USCIS website, it is so sick. They know that foreigners are scamming Americans yet the denial rate keeps dropping.

1st quarter

Received Approved Denied Pending

10,089 6,133 804 15,411

2nd quarter

Received Approved Denied Pending

9,099 7,418 994 16,689

They used to deny 20%+. Now Vermont has rolled over and played dead. Denying about 10%. Why have an immigration office at all? Just let them in!!!

We are on track for 35,000 to 40,000 VAWA green card this year!!! That is absolutely LUDICROUS. Congress but wake the hell up.

As I've said before these are not Obama's promised engineers, scientists, professors and entrepreneurs. Those folks have a of a time with H1B visas.

These VAWA applicants are high likelihood of being thugs, buggers, prostitutes, druggies, sociopaths, beggars, peasants, thieves, con artists and liars from impoverished countries and backgrounds preying on US Citizens. Something has to give.

What can USCIS do to aviid us getting scammed?

We petition people. We are the ones that need to be responsible to get to know these people well enough.

Like in all relationships someone always able to deceive the other....

I mean if we are with these people day in and out or on a phone via skype facetime whatsapp ect. And we dont see it....

How is USCIS gonna see it more then us?

A couple of ways:

1. They can make petitioning more stringent. Better background checks. Suggesting hiring private investigators in your beneficiaries home countries. And USCIS is very very very lax on warning and educating petitioners in advance and during the various processes of the potential risks and warning signs AND how to deal with beneficiaries when things turn sour. I had ZERO clue until I showed up in court, and I was flabbergasted that I was called an abuser in court. I treated my wife like a queen.

2. The immigration laws must be changed. They were conceived with good intentions, and don't get me wrong there are certainly some immigrants who are abused and deserve protection but not necessarily an easy path to a green card. And the American Citizen deserve his/her day in court. To punish US citizens and protect the foreigner with no due process and no angle of defense is just against all precepts of a fair adjudication process. Horrific even! Just my two cents.

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2016/09/08/immigrants-preying-on-americans-with-false-tales-abuse-to-stay-in-us-experts-say.html

Not a very well written article but yet another heartbreaking tale of foreigners preying on unsuspecting Americans. I never knew anything until it hit me. Why doesn't USCIS make it absolutely clear from the very beginning of any visa application. This poor kid wasn't even in any visa petitioner class which makes the story even more scary.

Please clarify these opposing comments:

"being in a foreign country with no friends or family, and only having the one person you thought you were madly in love with you mistreat you, its a little difficult to leave. "

You left, but you state "I made a life for myself there, and no matter what I have tried back here in the UK, I cant seem to settle or feel comfortable here." You don't have friends and family in the UK? How did you make a life if you only had one person making you miserable yet so difficult to leave? Have you gone to grief counseling?

Bona fide marriage proof: your marriage certificate, bills in your name and his (cell phone, car payment, rental lease, taxes etc.) as stated by others.

Other things we don't know. How long were you here? How long were you married? Is the unborn child his?

Drug offenses in Indonesia means the death penalty.

http://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/publications/privacy-pia-013-fdns-appendix-jan-2015.pdf

reportfraudtips@uscis.dhs.gov

Here is a definitive start to reporting immigration fraud

Reportfraudtips@uscis.dhs.gov

http://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/publications/privacy-pia-013-fdns-appendix-jan-2015.pdf

I'm sorta shocked folks are trying to find a way around this vs. suggesting counseling and moving on. This K-1 with a criminal record is really suspicious to me. And we have very limited details related to how the romance began, grew etc.

Most of these are proof of relationship. That is not the same as bonafides of marriage.

1. Leasing contract for the apartment with both of our names BONAFIDE

2. Joint car insurance BONAFIDE

3. My life insurance where my husband is the beneficiary BONAFIDE (only slightly)

4. Tons of pictures with friends and his family at various times NO

5. Email exchanges between us when we were still married NO

6. Emails from wedding venues (date stamped) from when we were planning the wedding NO

7. Text messages from his mom and sister-in-law after we told them we were going to get divorced (they are still super supportive of me) NO

8. I can get a few affidavits from mutual friends, not sure though if his family would agree to write anything at this point NO

This link helps. Focus on the DOCUMENTS and CONTRACTS. Not love letters and pictures. You need to show legal contracts and financial responsibilities.

http://www.***removed***/greencard/bona-fide-marriage-documentation.html

Of course there is always my case where the only bonafides were a marriage certificate, one health insurance card, and the baby's birth certificate. No bills, no name change, no tax return, no bank account.

But what my ex did have was expert help on "Maneuvering" through the system with a very weak "emotional abuse" claim and no police report.

Sometimes I just think its how the "special agent" at USCIS is feeling that day be there is no consistency. I've heard similar about the wide ranging results at immigration court based on what judge you get.

Bonafides of marriage should be rock solid, but they are not.

It should be marriage, 3 bills, 2 tax returns, a bank account with activity etc...not one day this or one day that...

I disagree with T Bone,you basically don't have many proof of a bonafide marrige at all.I saw people with what you have,plus bank account and tax returned filed jointly as well, and many of them had the l751 denied.Last week one physician contacted me, he separated 8 months after he received his GC, he had everything you can imagine showing bonafide marriage.His interview lasted 45min and the officer said he didn't believe the marriage was a bonafide marriage. Both are physicians,same age,same religion,same family background,that being said you better prepare yourself because you may have a tough time proving that you had a bonafide marriage.

Wow, this really worked! The part in red. Answered right away!

How to prepare for your call?
Before calling the NCSC please have available
- your receipt number:
- alien registration number:
- type of application filed:
- date filed:
- Online case status:
- Processing times applying to your case type
- Check your priority date (if applicable)
- Have all relevant correspondence with USCIS (NOA1)


How to talk to a live person at USCIS?
Contact the National Customer Service Center (NCSC) at 1-800-375-5283.
Call early in the morning (8.00 am)

Option 1: Then dial 1, 2, 6, 2, 4 (exact sequence). Use these options every time you are prompted.
(You can also try - 1 - 2 - 1 - Case Number - 1 - 3 - 3 or 4)

Option 2: Call USCIS and Do not press anything (don't choose a language). They will think you have a rotary phone and will transfer you directly to a live person.

Option 3: Don't don’t choose the number for “case status”, but do different ones instead (for example “RFE”; “expedite your case”, …)

Option 4: Military Help Line: 1-877-CIS-4MIL (1-877-247-4645); Members of the military and their families may call to receive assistance with immigration-related questions.

If they speak Spanish just say English please. Now you can ask what you want.

What to ask them?
During your call we recommend that you take note of the following information:

About them:
- The name of the NCSC representative:
- The id number of the NCSC representative:
- The date and time of the call:
- Any service request referral number, if a service referral on a pending case is taken:

About our case:
- When calling, ask them for a service request.

In case they refuse or tell you that they cannot answer your question, then ask to be transferred to a Tier 2 ISO (Immigration Service Officer) supervisor, who will have more privileges to access detailed information about your case. Once you get an ISO, be very polite, and take notes for your records. Ask them for their badge number. That way you can reference each conversation by date and the badge number of the ISO.
Also ask them to review case status - THEY can - it's on their screen.
If the NCSC doesn’t issue a service request, please make sure the NCSC representative tells you the reason why he did not issue the request. (This information you'll need to follow up)

- Some of the standard questions:
1) Name check Status?
2) Background Check Status?
3) Has it been assigned to an officer?
4) When can I expect to get some updates on my case?
5) Can you help me with a ball park date on when my case will be assigned to an officer?
6) What dates are they currently working on?
Of course, we are aware of the standard response we get.

http://www.dhs.gov/x...37986181.shtm#5

The NCSC operates on a two-tier model.
Tier 1 Customer Service Representatives (CSRs):
Can
• Relay basic immigration information to customers through scripts provided by USCIS
• Answer questions about USCIS forms
• Transfer calls to Tier 2 in certain circumstances
Cannot
• Answer specific questions about a case with the exception of information available through Case Status Online
• Transfer calls to local offices or service centers where cases are pending
• Provide legal advice

Tier 2 Immigration Service Officers (ISOs):
Can
• Review USCIS systems on your case
• Request that notices be re-issued
• Provide information that you may receive at an Infopass appointment
• Provide specialized assistance to dependents or active members of the U.S. Armed Forces
• Provide information on pending and adjudicated cases.
Cannot
• Review already issued Requests for Evidence (RFEs)
• Directly issue duplicate notices, receipt notices, RFE notices
• Transfer calls to local offices or service centers
• Provide legal advice

Service Requests
Both Tiers 1 and 2 can create a “service request” which is sent to service centers and local offices on matters such as expedite requests, change of address, appointment rescheduling, case processing delays which exceed the posted times, and other matters that may be unique to a specific case.

I've heard that from several attorneys. The lawsuits won't help VAWA victims, the cost to litigate is enormous, and if you win you'll likely never collect any money anyways.

Brian, clean out your message box so we can send you PM's please! Or send me one! Thanks.

Vietnam is consider a high fraud country by USCIS. Proceed cautiously. I personally know 4 Vietnamese women who came here fraudulently. How can one person know so many fraudsters? My point is there must be thousands. Who wants to live in poverty if they live off the US Gov't?

The point is why sponsor someone you hardly know, can't verify, and can't even do a thorough background investigation on? My ex came with numerous personal references from dear friends of mine. They all LIED. I even just found out her aunt, the Vietnamese woman who married my white American patient, was a prostitute in her hometown. So even though my BS VAWA recipient ex-wife is long gone, I'm still finding out massive amounts of #######. USCIS is just weak. Why risk your money, your reputation, and possible connections to fraudulent individuals.

Brian1967 if you are following this thread PM me please. I have some updates. PS: for anyone who cares, my daughter is nothing short of AMAZING. Life is good.

This question has been asked for years here on VJ. Your best source of information is USCIS. Everyone else is just guessing.

I'll ask the question that many others will be wondering: What do you hope to do with the "solid data?"

This site is for information. However, it is full of opinion without fact, and lots of conjecture and what if's.

I think it would be good for visitors of the site to see some reasonable facts regarding immigration fraud.

Boiler's response is good.

I asked the question "what constitutes a high-fraud country?" to an immigration attorney several years ago. He had served as a consul in two vastly different posts. His answer to me: "Any poor country."

Think about that.

As a blanket assessment I've heard that too, but I'm looking for some solid statistics and analytics.

And a better terminology might be repressed or oppressed nation, not simply poor.

This is a cool example! No return rates in Australia. Look at the countries with high numbers.

https://www.immi.gov.au/media/statistics/quarterly-report.htm

The other six countries among State’s 2005 Fraud Ranking included: Bangladesh, El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, Nigeria, and the Philippines.

http://trac.syr.edu/immigration/library/P6688.pdf

All middle eastern countries and several African countries are included as well .

Please provide your source. I'm trying to keep this scholarly and verifiable.

I was trying to find a decent list of fraud referrals by nation. Most of the posts were speculation, but this one appears to be from the GAO.

In 2010, the latest year that could be examined, the top 10 countries for cases referred to fraud prevention units for closer scrutiny were China, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, India, Brazil, Ghana, Cambodia, Jamaica, Peru, and Ukraine. Most cases involve applications for non-immigrant visas. About 74,000 cases were referred worldwide, and 22 percent were confirmed to be fraudulent.

Anyone else have links to solid analytics?

I'm surprised to not see Vietnam, Philippines, Russia, Pakistan, and Nigeria on here.

It is true, you can be accused of almost anything, and from that moment on it is pretty much impossible to shake the stigma. I was accused of human trafficking, forced slavery, possibly sexual slavery, and God knows what else. The moment she claimed abuse and filed VAWA she gained just about every possible protection the USA can give. My evidence was literally ignored. Total craziness and a perversion of justice, and I am the US citizen!!!

Do not contact this woman in anyway sir. Don't answer emails, text messages, phone calls or anything. If you have any witnesses or evidence you can attempt to get it to a Special Agent in Charge at your local USCIS but that too is almost futile as I found out. Sorry you are going through all this. The US Government is failing its citizens in these romance scams for a green card. Totally pathetic. Highly trained college educated agents simply inept at uncovering scams. And they blame it on the laws and politics. I say BS. They are just taking the path of least resistance with these scammers fraudulently using domestic violence as an avenue to a green card. Good luck with your battles.

Many many details missing here. Immigration status? I-864? etc.

Poster's primary purpose seems to be warning others. Scams abound as I know all too well.

Bottom line:

Foreign scammers will stop at NOTHING to selfishly obtain a green card.

This reads like a very obvious VAWA case. Poor poster is now in criminal trouble with little to no evidence, possibly having to support this woman, and likely going to have a divorce that will add more costs.

Immigration love affairs are not for the faint of heart. It is my contention that USCIS needs to raise the bar on K-1's big time. Sterner warnings to petitioners, stronger penalties to fraudulent beneficiaries, and much tighter controls on VAWA evidence. VAWA is an assembly line to a green card and benefits of living in the USA at the expense of often clueless US citizens.